Former Sen. Bill Bradley Endorses Obama

From the Guardian

The man who gave Al Gore a run in 2000 and supported Howard Dean in 2004, is now behind Barack Obama.

Bill Bradley, a former presidential hopeful and senator, on Sunday endorsed Democrat Barack Obama for president.

``Barack Obama is building a broad new coalition that brings together Democrats, independents and Republicans by once again making idealism a central focus of our politics,'' Bradley said in a statement released by Obama's campaign. ``Because of his enormous appeal to Americans of all ages and backgrounds, Obama is the candidate best positioned to win in November. ... His movement for change could create a new era of American politics - truly a new American story.''

Bradley, a hall of fame professional basketball player, will campaign for Obama on Monday, Obama aides told The Associated Press.

The aides, speaking on condition of anonymity ahead of the formal announcement, said they hoped the endorsement would help Obama end rival Hillary Rodham Clinton's status as the national front-runner. Clinton finished a disappointing third in Iowa's caucuses last week and is deadlocked with Obama in New Hampshire, according to a poll released Saturday.

Where in the World is Bill Bradley?--The New American Story

Former Senator Bill Bradley has a new book out called "The New American Story." It is amazing how quickly politicians fall from grace, but Bill Bradley is a good policy wonk and if you have time to read one book this summer, this is the one--if you have time to read two, the Gore book is worthwhile too. In it, Bradley proposes some ideas that would strengthen our country and will not be likely what we hear from those folks running for "the Office".

For instance, he discusses a plan to strengthen Social Security--remember Social Security--he proposes a plan to move the retirement age to 67 by 2027, provide a $5000 "birthright" benefit to every child born in the US wich would compound interest until retirement. More controversially, he would put new city and state workers into the Social Security system. He offers sound reasons for doing so, but you'll have to pick up the book.